Apply for a Used Car Warranty
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What is a Used Car Warranty?
Do Used Vehicles Come With A Warranty?
Most used vehicles do not come with a warranty. Instead, they are most often sold “as-is.” Sometimes, a used car happens to still be covered under a manufacturer’s original warranty, but these cases are relatively rare.
What Does “As Is” Mean When Purchasing A Used Car?
"As is" means a used vehicle is being sold without any warranties. The seller is not responsible for any problems with the car, and the buyer is accepting the car in its current condition, including the risk of any undisclosed defects.
It's a good idea to have a used car inspected by a mechanic before purchasing. That way, a buyer can identify any potential problems or issues.
It's a good idea to have a used car inspected by a mechanic before purchasing. That way, a buyer can identify any potential problems or issues.
How To Check If A Vehicle Is Under Warranty
Some used vehicles may still have warranty coverage under the original manufacturer's warranty. Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles typically come with an original manufacturer's warranty, and private party vehicles may as well—especially if they are fairly new.
Here are 3 steps you can take to check if a used car is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty.
1. Check the car's documentation. The owner's manual or service records may provide information about the original manufacturer's warranty. Based on the warranty terms, you can then determine whether the warranty has expired.
2. Contact the manufacturer. You inquire about the car's warranty status with the manufacturer. Be prepared to provide the car's vehicle identification number and other info.
3. Check online. Some manufacturers have online tools that allow you to check original warranties of vehicles by entering a car’s VIN.
Here are 3 steps you can take to check if a used car is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty.
1. Check the car's documentation. The owner's manual or service records may provide information about the original manufacturer's warranty. Based on the warranty terms, you can then determine whether the warranty has expired.
2. Contact the manufacturer. You inquire about the car's warranty status with the manufacturer. Be prepared to provide the car's vehicle identification number and other info.
3. Check online. Some manufacturers have online tools that allow you to check original warranties of vehicles by entering a car’s VIN.
Lemon Law for Used Vehicles
Lemon laws are consumer protection laws that protect buyers of defective vehicles. These laws generally apply to new vehicles that have a significant defect. Most states do not have lemon laws for private vehicle sales.
Is a Used Car Warranty Worth It?
When considering purchasing an extended warranty for your used car, there are four main factors. Whether or not it’s worth it to you will depend on where you fall in scheme of these.
1. The type of vehicle you’re purchasing and what sorts of repairs you anticipate. Some vehicles are extremely expensive to repair, and you may be glad you had a protection plan to replace that $4,000 windshield.
2. The mileage and condition of the car. Newer cars will need fewer repairs, statistically speaking, while older and high-mileage cars will need more.
3. The level of coverage you’d like to have. The more comprehensive the coverage, the higher the warranty rate.
4. Your finances. You’ll need to weigh the cost of the protection plan against the cost of expected repairs.
We know—this doesn’t give a definitive answer about whether a protection plan is worth it or not. But that’s because we don’t know your situation.
You can also consider mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) in lieu of buying an extended warranty. You can get MBI as an add-on to your auto insurance policy. Most insurance companies offer MBI plans as low as $30-100 per year, depending on the year and mileage of the vehicle.
1. The type of vehicle you’re purchasing and what sorts of repairs you anticipate. Some vehicles are extremely expensive to repair, and you may be glad you had a protection plan to replace that $4,000 windshield.
2. The mileage and condition of the car. Newer cars will need fewer repairs, statistically speaking, while older and high-mileage cars will need more.
3. The level of coverage you’d like to have. The more comprehensive the coverage, the higher the warranty rate.
4. Your finances. You’ll need to weigh the cost of the protection plan against the cost of expected repairs.
We know—this doesn’t give a definitive answer about whether a protection plan is worth it or not. But that’s because we don’t know your situation.
You can also consider mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) in lieu of buying an extended warranty. You can get MBI as an add-on to your auto insurance policy. Most insurance companies offer MBI plans as low as $30-100 per year, depending on the year and mileage of the vehicle.
Types of Used Car Warranties
There are several types of used car protection plans or warranties. Some cover specific components, while others cover the entire vehicle.
Generally, when people talk about used car warranties, they are referring to the last point above: third-party warranties, which are more accurately termed protection plans.
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Powertrain warranty: covers the engine, transmission, and drivetrain
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Bumper-to-bumper: bumper-to-bumper warranties cover all repair costs, except for those listed as exclusions in the warranty agreement
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Corrosion warranty: covers rust damage restoration costs
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Limited warranties: these coverage plans usually apply to specific parts or systems of the car, such as the electrical system or the air conditioning system
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Original manufacturer's warranty: also known as factory warranties, these are issued by a car’s manufacturer. Factory warranties cover specific parts or systems for a limited period of time, and may be transferable to new owners
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Third-party warranties: purchased separately from the dealership and may offer more comprehensive coverage at a higher price
Generally, when people talk about used car warranties, they are referring to the last point above: third-party warranties, which are more accurately termed protection plans.
What is the Best Used Car Warranty from a Third Party?
Third-party protection plans can offer decent coverage, but do your research to know what’s covered by them; then compare the cost of the plan against any potential repairs.
Warranty Factors to Consider
Some issues and ideas you might consider when evaluating used car protection plans:
It's also a good idea to read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have purchased a used car warranty from a third-party company.
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The types of coverage offered
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The length of the warranty period
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Any exclusions and limitations of the coverage
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The reputation and financial stability of the company offering the protection plan
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The cost of the warranty
It's also a good idea to read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have purchased a used car warranty from a third-party company.
How Much Does a Used Car Warranty Cost?
Buy and Sell on PrivateAuto
1. Choose from regular listing or auction format
2. Keep personal information private: all messaging and communication goes through our encrypted messaging app
3. Test drive scheduling is a cinch with our in-app scheduler
4. Electronically sign the bill of sale
5. Send or receive instant payments of any amount, without transfer fees via PrivateAuto Pay, our integrated banking solution
6. Skip that expensive and inconvenient escrow service; our escrow-like safeguards allow you to drive the deal on your own terms
7. Do long-distance transactions easily
8. Start a deal on another platform such as Craigslist, Autotrader, or Facebook Marketplace—and then finish it on PrivateAuto with our DealNow fast-track solution
9. Get add-on services—insurance, car shipping, inspections, and much more—within the PrivateAuto ecosystem without needing to coordinate between multiple parties
Shop used vehicles for sale by owner to start the process.
2. Keep personal information private: all messaging and communication goes through our encrypted messaging app
3. Test drive scheduling is a cinch with our in-app scheduler
4. Electronically sign the bill of sale
5. Send or receive instant payments of any amount, without transfer fees via PrivateAuto Pay, our integrated banking solution
6. Skip that expensive and inconvenient escrow service; our escrow-like safeguards allow you to drive the deal on your own terms
7. Do long-distance transactions easily
8. Start a deal on another platform such as Craigslist, Autotrader, or Facebook Marketplace—and then finish it on PrivateAuto with our DealNow fast-track solution
9. Get add-on services—insurance, car shipping, inspections, and much more—within the PrivateAuto ecosystem without needing to coordinate between multiple parties
Shop used vehicles for sale by owner to start the process.
Used Car Warranty FAQ
What is a used car warranty?
A used car warranty is a protection plan that covers repairs or replacements on specific vehicle components for a certain period. These warranties are often offered by car dealerships as an added incentive when purchasing a used car, but they can also be purchased separately from third-party companies.